A devoted Christian who served as a missionary in Norfolk has died, aged 81.

Patricia Gillett and her husband, Peter, used their Christian faith to help and inspire the lives of others.

They arrived here from Essex in 1993 and worked for 14 years at the Pickenham Centre, near Swaffham. 

Here they trained people in prayer and intercession and held bible training courses.

A former primary teacher, Mrs Gillett spent her later years working with the Bible Society's Open the Book project, taking assemblies in local schools in the Flegg area of Great Yarmouth.

The initiative offers primary school children an opportunity to hear the major stories of the Bible throughout the school year.  

She also ministered with her husband from their chapel at Thrigby Windmill where they ran the Windmill Christian Fellowship. 

During this time, the online group Women4Christ became a source of encouragement and inspiration for her.

Outside of her faith, she was passionate about gardening and had been working to prepare the grounds at Thrigby Windmill for quiet retreats and Open Gardens.

The couple’s love of boats and the Broads also meant they often relaxed on their cruiser at Oulton Broad, near Lowestoft.  

Mrs Gillett, who was fondly known as Tricia, died at the James Paget Hospital on July 30 following a short illness. She was 81. 

She is survived by husband, children Jenny and Steven and their spouses, grandchildren, step grandsons, and great grandchildren.  

Her funeral will take place at 2pm at Mautby Parish Church on August 21 with refreshments and fellowship at Filby Village Hall. Flowers and tributes to be directed to Arthur Jary funeral directors in Caister on 01493 722472. 

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